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How do you prevent condensation and mould?

Damp and mould can have all sorts of root causes, from a leaking pipe or gutter to rising damp caused by ground water and improper damp proofing. What all these problems have in common is that moisture creates an environment for mould spores to multiply.  

Some causes of damp are structural, like leaky pipes or rising damp, and will require repairs to address. However, there are some easy steps you can take to help reduce overall moisture in your home. These are the council’s top tips for preventing condensation and mould.  

Cooking/showering – see our videos on YouTube cooking / showering

  • When cooking, open a window or use an extractor fan to let steam out.
  • To reduce steam, keep a lid on saucepans as you cook.
  • Open a window or use an extractor fan after a bath or shower and close the door so the moist air goes out of the window and not into the rest of your home.
  • When running a bath put cold water in first then add hot – it reduces steam by 90%.


Drying clothes – see our video on YouTube

  • Ideally dry clothes outside or in a ventilated or condensing type tumble drier.
  • If you must dry clothes indoors, dry them in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open or turn the extractor fan on.
  • It is advised that clothing is not dried on radiators as this produces condensation.


Heating

  • Keep your home warm by using the heating. To keep fuel costs down and to make sure that there are not cold surfaces that condensation will occur on, ensure that your loft space and walls have adequate insulation.
  • Avoid using portable gas or paraffin heaters as these put a lot of moisture into the air.
  • Make sure all your rooms have suitable heating. In cold weather it’s better to keep the heating on at a low level all day, rather than putting it on in short, high bursts.
  • Don’t warm unheated bedrooms by leaving the door open to a heated room, as this will cause warm damp air to enter the room and condense on cold surfaces.

Air flow – see our videos on YouTube air flow tips 1 / air flow tips 2

  • Open windows in the morning for 15 minutes on opposite sides of your home to release moisture.
  • Unblock air vents and open trickle ventilation on windows.
  • Leave space for air to circulate between walls and furniture (e.g. move beds and wardrobes away from external walls by at least 2 inches / 5cm).
  • Try to de-clutter where possible – avoid putting too many things in cupboards and don’t leave clothing and bedding in corners of rooms.
  • Use a dehumidifier when possible.
  • Wipe condensation off windows and windowsills.

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